Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the heart of India, is one of the largest states in terms of area, covering about 308,000 square kilometers. The state is strategically located in the central region of India, sharing its borders with Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The physiography of Madhya Pradesh is a reflection of the diverse geological and geomorphological processes that have shaped the landscape over millions of years. This article explores the various aspects of the physiography of Madhya Pradesh, including its major landforms, rivers, plateaus, and mountains.
1. Geographical Location and Extent
Madhya Pradesh is located between latitudes 215' and 268' N and longitudes 77 30' and 82 49' E. This central location has played a pivotal role in shaping the states physical features. The states geographical diversity is evident in its varied terrain, ranging from rugged hills and plateaus to fertile plains and river valleys.
2. Major Physiographic Divisions
The state of Madhya Pradesh is divided into several distinct physiographic regions. These divisions are based on the variations in elevation, relief, and landforms. The major physiographic divisions of Madhya Pradesh are:
The Central Plateau: This is the largest and most dominant feature of the state's physiography. It is the area with the highest elevation, containing a number of plateaus, hills, and valleys.
The Vindhya Ranges: The Vindhya mountains form a significant part of the states northern boundary, running roughly from west to east. These ranges separate the Malwa Plateau to the north from the Narmada River basin to the south.
The Satpura Ranges: The Satpura mountain range runs parallel to the Vindhyas and is located in the southern part of the state. These ranges have an important impact on the climate and drainage systems of the region.
The Narmada River Basin: The Narmada River, one of the major rivers of India, forms an important physiographic feature in Madhya Pradesh. The basin includes the lowlands surrounding the river, characterized by fertile alluvial plains.
3. The Central Plateau
The Central Plateau, also known as the Malwa Plateau, is an elevated region in the western part of Madhya Pradesh. The plateau is characterized by a rugged terrain, consisting of hills and valleys. This plateau is bordered by the Vindhya Range to the north and the Narmada River to the south.
The plateau is predominantly made up of basaltic rock formations, and it has a general slope towards the north. The average elevation of this region is around 400-700 meters above sea level, but it can rise higher in certain parts, particularly towards the southern edge. The Malwa Plateau is known for its fertile soil, making it one of the most agriculturally productive areas in Madhya Pradesh.
4. The Vindhya Range
The Vindhya Range forms a significant part of the northern boundary of Madhya Pradesh. These mountains are made up primarily of sedimentary rocks and are rich in geological diversity. They are the source of several major rivers, including the Chambal, Betwa, and Son rivers.
The Vindhya Range is not a single continuous mountain range but is composed of several ranges and sub-ranges, which can be broken down into:
The Northern Vindhyas: These are located in the northwestern part of the state, forming a natural boundary between the Malwa Plateau and the northern plains.
The Southern Vindhyas: These are the highest ranges of the Vindhyas and are located to the south of the Narmada River. The highest peak of the Vindhyas, Dhupgarh (1,350 meters), is located here in the Satpura National Park.
5. The Satpura Range
The Satpura Range lies to the south of the Vindhya Range and runs parallel to it. The Satpuras are primarily composed of granite and gneiss rock formations. These mountains form the southern boundary of the Narmada River basin and stretch across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
The Satpura Range is lower in elevation compared to the Vindhyas, with the highest peak being Satpura Hill at an elevation of 1,352 meters above sea level. These mountains are an important source of rivers, including the Tapi, Mahi, and Narmada. The Satpuras also play a key role in influencing the climate of Madhya Pradesh by acting as a barrier to the southward monsoon winds.
6. The Narmada River Basin
The Narmada River is one of the most important rivers in Madhya Pradesh, and it flows from east to west, cutting across the central part of the state. The Narmada Basin is an extensive region that includes the rivers watershed and its surrounding floodplains.
This basin is characterized by lowlands, gentle slopes, and fertile alluvial soil. The Narmada River is vital for irrigation and agriculture in the region. It also plays an important role in the drainage of the Central Plateau and is the lifeline for many towns and villages located along its banks.
7. The Chambal River Basin
The Chambal River is one of the major tributaries of the Yamuna River, originating from the Vindhya Range in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh. The Chambal River basin lies in the northeastern part of the state and is famous for its ravines, which have been formed due to the erosion caused by the river. These ravines are unique landforms found along the river and are associated with poor soil and dry conditions.
The Chambal basin is an important area for agriculture, and the river is used for irrigation in the region. The Chambal Valley is also known for the presence of many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including the Chambal Sanctuary.
8. The Rewa Plateau
The Rewa Plateau is located in the eastern part of Madhya Pradesh, bounded by the Satpura Range to the south and the Vindhya Range to the north. This plateau is known for its significant agricultural production, especially in the cultivation of wheat, rice, and pulses.
The plateau is divided into the Rewa Plateau and the Maihar Plateau, which have different levels of elevation and varying agricultural practices. The region is also rich in mineral resources, including limestone, coal, and marble.
9. The Bundelkhand Region
The Bundelkhand region lies in the southern part of the state and is characterized by a relatively flat terrain interspersed with small hills and undulating topography. It is a transitional zone between the central plateau and the Chambal River basin. The region is rich in historical importance, with several fortresses and ancient towns scattered throughout its rugged terrain.
This region experiences a semi-arid climate, with relatively low rainfall, making agriculture dependent on irrigation. The region is also known for its mineral resources, including granite and marble deposits.
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